Is Jesus a Good Deal?

The Jesus we see in scriptures is sometimes not the Jesus we see portrayed today. He called people to repentance, to righteousness, to relationship, and all the while provided forgiveness, wholeness, and healing.

We often think we’ll fit Jesus into our lives or that maybe we should work Him in a little more. The reality is, Jesus is calling us to fit into His life.

I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. –Galatians 2:20

Stop kidding yourself. There is a price to follow and you have to make some major trade-offs. You don’t get your way and you can’t live in selfishness, going any which way you feel like. Your time, your relationships, your coming and your going–it’s not governed by your preferences or level of comfort.

So when does it end? Won’t He let up when we’ve done enough or given up enough?

Absolutely not. It ends when we look exactly like Jesus.

Here’s how missionary to Uganda, Katie Davis, put it:

As Katie described in detail, some days that is incredibly hard. You miss family, friends, and comforts. You wish you could just be “normal” for a while and do what you want.

Once you’re in God’s will and expressing the destiny you were created for, it’s hard to be satisfied with anything less. You understand that the Father is leading you perfectly, that the uncomfortable leads to a beautiful place of surrender and joy. Lives are touched and changed by the smallest act of obedience.

And that’s when perspective really sets in. I may be a little uncomfortable with where He has me or what He asked me to do, but it’s nothing compared to what He paid for me. Besides that, I see where He’s taking me (at least in part) and it takes my breath away.

For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison… –2 Corinthians 4:17

Jesus is not a bargain basement find. Many have tried, and there is no way to rob God. There is no way we can get all of His life and victory without making the trade: my everything for His. That may not seem like a steep price, but you’ll reevaluate it often. Those who endure and grow in the relationship will be blessed beyond measure.

I look at the “big” things I’ve given up to follow Him and I marvel at His grace through it all.

I told God He had to show me whom to marry. He didn’t pick the one I picked.

I didn’t get to choose where to live and serve.

I didn’t get to build my family in the “normal” way because of infertility

He told me to quit my nice job and work full-time in ministry

All these things I have struggled with in different ways and at different times, but I can boldly say that following His voice in obedience is the best things I’ve ever done. I’m so thankful for the incredible blessings He has led me into.

How about you? Have you made trade-offs? What’s been the biggest one and how did it turn out?

This is part of our book club discussion on Week 19 of Kisses from Katie(disclosure) by Katie J. Davis and Beth Clark. We are taking a sentence, paragraph, or passage that inspires, encourages, or challenges and writing about it. If you have a response on your blog, add it in the link widget below and be sure to check out the other entries. Also head over to my friend and co-facilitator, Sarah Salter’s blog for another great take. Whether you’ve read the selection or not, please share your thoughts! We always appreciate a vibrant conversation.

Man, do I feel like I have a long way to go, but I know He has worked in me and continues to do incredible things. Even when it looks like I’m standing still, He is still growing me according to His faithfulness. Thanks Floyd.

Sherry / May 23, 2012

Juneau was not at all my pick. Definitely God’s! I miss so, so much about living elsewhere. Especially year around, everyday cultural events, gatherings, etc. It’s who I am and who He created me to be. BUT I would not trade where He has me, where He’s placed me for anything. I get my shot in the arm 2-4 times a year, so I’m good. He brought me here, I’m blessed beyond words and honestly could not think of a better place to live. I had to struggle through some things to get here but I’m good. Thank you Lord for guiding my path! In Him I live, move and have my being. The footsteps of the rigtheous are ordered of God. Jason, another good thought provoking conversation. Thank you, be blessed!

I hear ya, Sherry. I miss driving, variety in eating, the friends and family I grew up with, and lots of little things. On the other side of it though, I have seen Him give me a tremendous love for Juneau and its people. I’m so thankful that He brought me here and has done such an incredible work in me. It blows me away. Thanks Sherry!

AWESOME, AWESOME POST! First week of June I am starting something similar to this with the book, “The Cost of Discipleship” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. I’ve been trying to write about the first chapter but what you just wrote pretty much sums it up!
Following Christ will cost you something. His grace is not cheap, the world has tried to make it cheap, the church has tried to make it cheap. But God’s grace is costly. It cost Him and it will cost you.

I hope you will stop by and take part in my blog series every Monday starting in June!

I can speak of experience of doing trade-offs with God. In 1995 around this time The Lord Spoke to my parents that we where to move to Minnesota. He told them the date and everything. When I learned this I cried, why because it meant leaving our comfort zone of New York City. The place I love still to this day. My dad had a great job and was a elder in the church, We lived in Little Italy in the Bronx (Just think about the food and you wouldn’t want to leave either) But we left that comfort zone and pursued his will. Well when we first got here we didn’t do his will, we did our own things at first, Then The Lord in his loving way had to humble us and that’s when his true will for us began to manifest. It turned out to be the best thing for us. When we came to Minnesota there was only four of us now there’s 5 and my little brother is a miracle,we got to finally have a house, and careers that can take us anywhere we want ! (Preaching, and photographing weddings etc) and just a few years ago that company my dad worked for in New York Folded. Best thing is I can still go to New York anytime I want with money and eat all the Italian food I want ! And I love living In Minneapolis Area by the way.andrew singh recently posted..Christmas-Winterland Photo Extravaganza

I totally get it, Andrew. And NYC has some of the most incredible food I’ve ever eaten! People tell themselves all the time, “I couldn’t go there. I couldn’t do that.” But we miss out when we don’t listen to His voice and obey! Love your story. Thanks so much.

You yourself have for sure made a big trade off From Shawnee Ok to Juneau Alaska. But now your reaping the benefits with your addition to your family with the adoption of your daughter and sons.andrew singh recently posted..Christmas-Winterland Photo Extravaganza

I’ve asked for the “Beach Ministry” (sitting on the beach, relaxing) many time to no avail…yet, I am soooo glad to be where He wants me. Thanks for the reminder that we are better off when we surrender to His ways.Jay Cookingham recently posted..Tribute to My Father – Guest Post

Just when I think I couldn’t possibly give anything else, He always shows up to ask for more. This isn’t a negative by any means; again it’s temporary and light compared to what is gained once everything is given.Philip recently posted..Just a Little Honesty